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The ECHCS Office of Public Affairs serves as the initial contact for reporters, producers, and other media representatives seeking information about the Eastern Colorado Health Care System or wishing to interview faculty/staff experts. This office functions as ECHCS' news bureau, serving as the primary source of information about the institution, patient care, staff and staff collaboration, awards, reviews, accreditations, medical and research advances, environmental safety, and technological advances.

Your VA News

Mar. 21, 2019 VA diagnoses 4,000 cases of colon cancer each yearThe Veterans Health Administration recommends screening for colorectal cancer in adults age 50 through 75. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: A perfect time for Veterans to get screened. To reas more, please click HEREMar. 15, 2019 - VA celebrates Women’s History MonthThere has never been one kind of woman Veteran. Yes, they are often mothers and sisters. But they are also leaders, teachers, nurses, and doctors. They represent the fastest growing Veteran group. This women’s history month, we are reflecting on their contributions to the U.S. military. For more, click HERE

Feb. 19, 2019 - VA providing better care for the elderly VeteranGeriPACTs are like a one-stop shop. They combine traditional health care services with community-based services, featuring doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other specialists. The goal is to streamline the health care experience of Veterans with geriatric needs and expedite their visits to a VA facility, rather than requiring them to set up multiple appointments with providers. Click HERE for moreFeb. 14, 2019 - VA Partners with Tech Companies to Prevent Veteran SuicideVA is partnering with four technology organizations — CaringBridge, IBM, Objective Zero Foundation, and RallyPoint — that share VA’s commitment to preventing Veteran suicide. These organizations are working with VA to promote social connectedness and expand the reach of lifesaving resources using mobile applications and online platforms. Click HERE for more.

Since 2014, the number of annual appointments for VA care is up by 3.4 million, with over 58 million appointments in VA facilities last fiscal year. Simply put, more Veterans are choosing to receive their health care at VA.. For more, click HERE.

Since 2014, the number of annual appointments for VA care is up by 3.4 million, with over 58 million appointments in VA facilities last fiscal year. Simply put, more Veterans are choosing to receive their health care at VA.. For more, click HERE.

President Trump’s second State of the Union address was his platform to introduce the “agenda of the American People.” For more than an hour and 20 minutes the president challenged Americans to choose greatness, paid homage to crucial moments in our country’s history and expressed his continued commitment to improving VA for our Veterans. Click here for more.

The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks will host a special event for women Veterans on Thursday, Dec. 6. The event is called “Tags to Pearls: Women Veterans Night Out.” It’s an opportunity to share in the celebration of women Veterans and learn more about the services provide for female Veterans. The free event is focusing on women who have served or are currently serving in the military and their families. The evening will include door prizes, music, photo booth and tours of the Women’s Clinic.To read more, click here

VA announced key changes in the processing of GI Bill benefits payments under the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Forever GI Bill).As these changes are implemented, VBA will remain in continuous contact with Veterans, Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed and knows what to expect.To read more, click hereNov. 15, 2018 - Thousands of Veterans have quit smoking (Great American Smokeout)

Many Veterans used tobacco while they served, particularly during deployment. Now seven out of ten Veterans who smoke would like to quit — for both the physical and mental health benefits. Of Veterans who have ever smoked who are enrolled in VA health care, 71 percent have successfully quit smoking, showing that quitting is possible, especially with a treatment plan that includes counseling and medication. To read more, click here

"We are VA. And we’ve come together across organizational boundaries to focus on what’s best for you. This launch is showing everyone that when we’re united in our cause, great things can happen. The new VA.gov consolidates information and places it in one easy to navigate location." Click here for more

The following guidelines can assist you in arranging interviews, video sessions, or photo opportunities with ECHCS newsmakers

Call the Public Affairs Office to arrange all interviews with any VA staff member. We will respond as quickly as we can. (Patients seeking medical advice should contact their health care provider or dial 911 for medical emergencies.)

Advance notice of on-site interviews is necessary so staff can arrange locations for media interviews or photo shoots and line up appropriate sources for your story.

All film crews and photographers must be accompanied while on campus. Our main priority is patient privacy and adherence to HIPPA regulations. We also want to make sure you get the information you are looking for and to coordinate shoot locations and ensure interviews go smoothly.

If you are a student working on a research paper and looking to interview a veteran about his military experience, we encourage you to contact a Veterans Service Organization for assistance. You can find a comprehensive list at http://www1.va.gov/VSO/. Alternatively, contact the United Veterans committee of Colorado at www.unitedveteranscommittee.com.